Shift mindsets, embrace collaboration, businessman urges Zimbabweans

ZIMBABWE’S socio-economic success hinges on the collective efforts of its citizens, businessman and Westprop Holdings chief executive officer Mr Kenneth Sharpe has said.

Addressing attendees at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Midlands awards ceremony held at the weekend in Gweru, Mr Sharpe said there is a need for collaboration between Government, business and citizens to achieve a common goal.

“It’s no secret that we have faced economic challenges in recent years including high inflation. These challenges have hampered business growth and job creation. However, I am firmly convinced that we can overcome these obstacles and build a brighter future but I cannot do it alone and you cannot do it alone. Collaboration is essential for our success,” said Mr Sharpe.

He said there is a need to change the mindset which he said is the biggest challenge to collaboration. Mr Sharpe said a wrong mentality affects how people approach working together for the betterment of Zimbabwe.

He said he totally agreed with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Ilizwe Lakhiwa ngabaninilo (loosely translated) “The country is built by its own citizens.

Building on the President’s vision, Mr Sharpe urged Zimbabweans to change the mindset. He emphasised that the nation’s success rests on the shoulders of its people hence the need for citizens’ collaboration.

“We should appreciate that no outsider is going to come to address our challenges. We are our own saviours and as such we should start working together now,” said Mr Sharpe.

He said in order to build a thriving economy, stakeholders have to work as a team to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.

The collaboration, Mr Sharpe said, could take many forms, including public-private partnerships where the public sector can create the required environment and provide the infrastructure that businesses need to operate effectively.

“The Government can invest in improving roads, bridges and other such infrastructure, thereby creating an enabling environment for businesses to operate.

“As WestProp, we have partnered the City of Harare to develop The Hills Lifestyle Estate. This is a US$300 million project that will have a state-of-the-art golf course and luxurious apartments — a first in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Sharpe said the company recently broke ground at the project site and works will be commencing soon. This, he said, is one example of how public-private partnerships can bring immense benefit to the country and be a stepping stone to a thriving economy.

Mr Sharpe said collaboration can also be in the form of inter-industry partnerships whereby businesses within the same industry can collaborate to share knowledge, resources and best practices.

“This can lead to improved efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. I usually joke about how our competitors in the real estate development sector are inspired by our work. Most of them are now using our “live, work, shop and play” template. We welcome this competition as it means we are doing something right as a company that is worth emulating,” he said.

Mr Sharpe said they are also collaborating with other players in the industry on projects that will bring world-class housing for Zimbabweans.

“For example we just partnered with Homelux to develop a huge piece of land on the east of Harare and the project is expected to start in the next quarter. Another example of a thriving collaborative project is The Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX): The VFEX is a regional stock exchange that allows companies from Zimbabwe and other African countries to raise capital and nurture mutually-beneficial business relationships,” he said.

Mr Sharpe said this collaboration between Zimbabwe and other countries has the potential to boost investment and economic growth across the region.

“I am truly inspired by the ZNCC’s mission which is to be a leader in business development in the national economy and a channel of communication between business and the various authorities in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Sharpe encouraged delegates to leverage organisations like the ZNCC to cultivate relationships with other businesses. Collaboration, he emphasised, was key to building a thriving national economy.

He said for example, collaboration between banks, microfinance institutions and development agencies could improve access to finance, a hurdle often faced by businesses.

“Collaboration between universities, research institutions and businesses can drive innovation and technological development. This can lead to the creation of new products and services, improve efficiency and increase productivity,” he said

Mr Sharpe said by working with other countries in the region, Zimbabwe can expand its markets, attract foreign investment and learn from best practices.

“Zimbabwe’s membership in regional economic blocs like Sadc creates opportunities for collaboration on trade, infrastructure development and industrial growth.

“We have also witnessed how regional blocs such as BRICS have benefited member states and as such more countries want to be part of that organisation,” he said.

Collaboration, Mr Sharpe said, was not a magic bullet but a powerful tool that Zimbweans can leverage to overcome challenges and build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.

“Let us all commit to working together to build a more prosperous Zimbabwe. Let us embrace collaboration as a key driver of our economic success. For once, let us put aside our differences because a thriving economy benefits us all,” he said.

Some of the notable winners were Dr Gerald Zhou the CEO of Inclusive Financial Services, Mrs Albertina Manyembere of Parkview Junior School and Mr Trevor Shaw who got a lifetime achievement award.